Body Sense

Published for ABMP members by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Body Sense magazine is published for the purpose of educating the general public about the benefits of massage and bodywork, along with additional well-being topics. The information contained in this magazine is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your physician before under taking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. No par t of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without specific written permission from ABMP. Publisher cannot be held responsible for content of adver tisements. The information contained herein is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for a licensed health-care professional. Volume #22, Issue #1, Spring 2020 © 2020 All rights reserved. www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com www.massagetherapy.com Body Sense massage, bodywork & healthy living Depending on where we live, we're all in various stages of dealing with the COVID-19 virus. Your state may already be in the hunker-down stage, where only essential businesses are open, while neighbors in the state next door may still be in the stock-up stage, buying enough goods to get through this trying time. Hopefully none of you are having to deal with the virus fi rsthand, but undoubtedly many of you are, or soon will be. Unprecedented times has become the fallback phrase we use to describe this challenge, while unprecedented stress has quickly become a new normal, as we deal with the health of our families, our businesses, and our communities. Sadly, when massage could be of immeasurable use to us all, it's not something we can turn to. A relaxing hour of massage would do wonders for our anxiety-ridden necks and shoulders, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says for the sake of us all, we can't. There is no way to practice social distancing with massage. So, we send hugs and support from afar, both from Body Sense and on behalf of your massage therapist, and we await the day you can return to their table. Until then, we wanted to take time in this issue to offer you some simple steps for staying grounded and supporting your immune system, both important things you can do during prolonged periods of stress. This kind of self-care is something we should always have as part of our routine, but it's especially important right now. And remember, while your massage therapist may have to close their doors for now, they have not closed their business. If you have the ability to support small businesses during this time, consider adding your massage therapist or bodyworker to that list. Pre-buy massage and bodywork gift certifi cates that you can use for upcoming holidays like Mother's Day, virtual birthday gifts, or overdue self-care time that will be ready and waiting for you when we can all venture safely back out into the world, when massage therapists and bodyworkers are able to open their doors once again and serve you, their treasured clients. Sending you a virtual hug from all of us. E D I T O R ' S N O T E K A R R I E O S B O R N , E D I T O R K A R R I E @ A B M P . C O M Karrie Osborn, Editor karrie@abmp.com Darren Buford, Contributing Editor darren@abmp.com Brandon Twyford, Contributing Editor brandon@abmp.com Mary Barthelme Abel, Contributing Editor marya@abmp.com Angie Parris-Raney, Director of Advertising angie@abmp.com Amy Klein, Art Director amy@abmp.com James Sutherlin, Senior Designer james@abmp.com staff #1 There's only one of you— so take care of yourself mindfully, lovingly, and pragmatically. Practice self-care in ways you haven't before—a quiet morning reading a book, a long bath in the evening, foot massage with your partner, and all the healthful moments you can find for yourself. The Virtual Hug

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